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The women giggled and hugged her and she timidly tried to smile. Chase could see how nervous she was and suddenly wished it was easier for her, but there were some things he couldn't do for her.
Then Burning Tree came through the crowd, everyone stepped aside to let him through. Katherine looked up at the tall Indian man. She tilted her head and then glanced at Chase.
"This is Burning Tree," he said.
Katherine seemed to study him, and then put out her hand. "I'm Katherine…"
"It is good that you have come… come…come to my wigwam we will talk…," he offered.
Katherine followed him.
After Chase had time to chat with some of his friends, spoke with his mother and father, he went to Burning Tree's wigwam.
The old man brought her in, and made her comfortable. Then he sat down by the fire in the middle of his home and stared into her eyes. "Has Chase Rivers explained things to you?"
Amazed that he spoke such good English, Katherine nodded. "Why yes…to some extent."
"Good…I am pleased that you have come. It took powerful magic to make sure you would. The magic of the Great Spirit and the magic of the dream catcher. Do you know what a dream catcher is?"
"No…"
The old Shaman took something from the side of the wigwam and handed it to her. It was lovely, a round looking net, with feathers hanging from it, with a bead in the middle.
"It is not of my people that this comes. It is from a tribe that is far north of here. An old friend once shared the knowledge with me. It is to catch the good dreams and to send the bad ones away. It is to protect. I used this for you and for Chase Rivers. The Great Spirit bound you long before you got here."
Katherine tried to smile, but blushed as she saw Chase staring at her.
"But it is all for my people that I ask for you to come, My people and your people. You are the great, great, great, great, granddaughter of one of the most famous chiefs of our people. He was a leader, he was a peacemaker. Because you are of his blood, you carry a magic within you, that I will help you discover. You will be purified and then you will learn the magic. If you wish," he said then he began to smoke his pipe as though she were no longer there.
Katherine watched in fascination. "I am ready to accept this, but will you accept me as your own?"
"You are already part of my family if you stay. You will have a home; you will be treated with great honor, and respected by all. You will be my daughter until you legally marry."
"And would I have a choice as to who I married," she asked, casting a quick glance at Chase.
Burning Tree looked at her now, a frown lining his forehead. "I understand what you feel, as you are my daughter. The magic used to get you here was Beyond the Dream Catcher; do you understand what that means?"
"No, I do not understand it," she said her voice shrilling some.
He nodded, "She is honest and wise to come to me with this. I knew of it before you arrived. The magic was used to make sure you would come. Now you are here, and you are free to choose a husband, but it must be done soon, as you are no maiden now."
Katherine hesitated. Her cheeks were crimson, and Chase felt almost as uncomfortable as she did.
"Burning Tree, I accept the fact that she no longer wants me…I will still protect her, defend her…"
"Be still my son. I must know the reason for your change of heart, for you truly loved him in your dreams." Burning Tree puffed on his pipe.
Chase
sat rigid.
Katherine turned beet red now, and lowered her eyes, "Must I speak in front of him?"
"Has he not protected you, loved you, and done everything I ask of him?" Burning Tree asked her.
"Yes, I suppose so…but…"
Burning Tree stood up and paced. "What is it that you wish daughter? He's entitled to know the truth from your lips. Your rejection of him has put him in an embarrassing position with our people. He must know why you reject him."
